Africans Quote by Alija Izetbegović
““In the General History of Africa, we come across very impressive facts about the culture of primitive African peoples. It is known, for example, that in the old African kingdoms, all foreigners-whether white or colored- enjoyed hospitality and had the same rights as the native people. At the same time, a foreigner in ancient Rome or Greece usually became a slave. Such and similar facts have probably made Leo Frobenius, a well-known German ethnologist and a great connoisseur of Africa, write :" The Africans are civilized up to their bones, and the idea of their being barbarians is a European fiction.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The General History of Africa, edited by UNESCO, 1975
The quote argues that African societies were fully civilized and that the label “barbarian” is a European construct used to justify colonial attitudes.
In simple terms: African cultures were advanced; “barbarian” is a myth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge Eurocentric stereotypes.
Themes
civilization
colonialism
identity
history
stereotypes
Mood
reflective
critical
inquisitive
Type
historical
political
cultural
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- media representation
- international relations
Key Concepts
ethnocentrism
cultural relativism
postcolonial theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern narratives reinforce or dismantle these stereotypes?
- What evidence can we use to re‑evaluate historical judgments?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overlook internal conflicts and diversity within African societies.
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